Chapter 45 of "The Reality of Being" by Jeanne de Salzmann
- Ale Saira
- Jun 23, 2024
- 2 min read
Jeanne de Salzmann begins by emphasizing that the quest to know oneself is not merely an intellectual exercise or a hopeful endeavor but a deep, irresistible feeling that leads one into unknown territories. This journey requires an unwavering sincerity that goes beyond the conditioned activity of the mind. True self-knowledge necessitates transcending the habitual workings of the mind without denying or opposing it. It involves understanding the mind's functioning and how it conditions one's perceptions, thus allowing an initial contact with the unknown.
De Salzmann suggests that only by seeing through the conditioning and illusions of the mind can one begin to accept a deeper clarity and peace. This acceptance is essential for experiencing the true nature of oneself. The process involves recognizing that seeking security in the mind leads to a loss of oneself within it. To genuinely know oneself, one must continually see and not be deceived by this conditioning.
A pivotal moment in this journey is the realization of not knowing oneself beyond the usual consciousness. This acknowledgment empties the mind of preconceived notions and allows for a deeper impression of one’s true self. This deeper understanding brings a kind of unity, where thought, sensation, and emotion blend, creating a sense of transformation beyond the ordinary sense of "I."
The chapter also explores the notion of uncompromising sincerity. Facing the real facts about oneself with sincerity purifies emotion, blending it with thought and sensation, leading to a unified state. This unity signifies a transformation, an abdication of personal will to align with a greater will, often experienced as a voluntary passivity.
De Salzmann concludes that this journey is continuous, requiring perpetual questioning and a readiness to see oneself as one truly is. This readiness involves a conscious struggle against the habitual forces of identification and mechanicalness. The key to this struggle is maintaining an active attention that is not merely reactive but engaged in a deeper inquiry into the nature of one’s being. The ultimate aim is to live in a state of Presence, where one’s real self and ordinary "I" can coexist and interact meaningfully, leading to a more authentic and conscious existence.
This chapter underscores the essential practices of sincerity, acceptance, and perpetual questioning in the quest for self-knowledge, urging readers to embrace the struggle and transformation that comes with truly knowing oneself.
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